“once-in-a-lifetime performance…”

May 28th, 2023 - "The symphony orchestral performance featuring the conductor Farkhad Khudyev and his extraordinary guest Mugham singer Alim Qasimov (Gasimov), a national living treasure of Azerbaijan, was sold out on March 25. Imamyar Hasanov on kamancha, Natig Shirinov on naghara, with Laman Hendricks, dancer, and the incredible University…

“The magnetism of indicated expressions was persuasive… This performance was characterized by the beauty of sound, enchanting legati, virtuosity, and perfection.”

November 20th, 2019 - "Watching Khudyev conduct these pieces was a delightful experience.  Maestro’s elegant conducting gestures and floating soft hands led the orchestra skillfully, pinpointing delicate subtleties and fine nuances to orchestra musicians.  The magnetism of indicated expressions was persuasive... This performance was characterized by the beauty of sound,…

“Farkhad Khudyev delivered another YMM miracle…”

November 6th, 2018 - "Farkhad Khudyev delivered another YMM miracle. It ‘transcended’ on Sunday afternoon at Sunset Center in a program dubbed Eclectic Delight. Few professional orchestra conductors demonstrate such faith in their instincts and, more important, their musicians." (Performing Arts Monterey Bay) Full article: https://performingartsmontereybay.com

“Our good fortune to have such an inspiring young conductor as Maestro Farkhad Khudyev. Amen!”

May 14th, 2018 - "One of the most successful works on the afternoon’s program was a performance of Samuel Barber’s Overture to “The School for Scandal.” This difficult score was brilliantly rendered with dazzling performances by the strings, winds, brass and percussion sections. Also outstanding was a performance of “Romance”…

“A stunning performance of “Scheherazade” that wowed the audience to an instantaneous standing ovation…”

February 27, 2017 - "A STANDING ROOM ONLY audience for “Exoticism in Music” concert at Carmel’s Sunset Center on Sunday was all the more conspicuous by who wasn’t there than by who was. Music director Farkhad Khudyev just took third prize at the Georg Solti International Conducting Competition in Germany, and watching his…

“In Khudyev’s hands, symphony gives a powerful performance…”

This much-anticipated February program opened with the short, powerful and astounding world premiere of Khudyev’s “The Sounds of Eternity.” Both an intimate musical self-portrait and an unflinching reflection of the human condition, this composition weaves together elements of Khudyev’s childhood growing up in Central Asia’s Turkmenistan with a transcendental message…

“The magician on the podium…”

The program concluded with George Enescu’s greatest hit, the irresistible Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, a tour de force for orchestra that’s littered with cameo solos spotlighting individual players. The orchestra sounded in peak condition and got the audience acclaim it deserved. And so did Khudyev, the magician on the podium. Full Article: http://performingartsmontereybay.com

“Music Director Khudyev has to be admired, not only for his musical skills (and he is as accomplished as a violinist as he is as a conductor), but also for his skill in finding increasing support in the community…”

“By any standard, these young musicians played with great enthusiasm and surprisingly advanced skills. The final work on the program, a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, brought the house down with thundering applause and a standing ovation for the young musicians. It is a great tribute to our community that…